Brittany "Bree" Newsome has been released from jail following her personal removal of the Confederate flag from South Carolina's state house flagpole.
According to Vibe, Newsome, 30 and fellow activist James Tyson were released from jail Saturday. Footage of Newsome's act was seen all over social media this weekend when she and Tyson orchestrated the removal of the flag in the early hours of Saturday morning.
While the activists' bail were $3,000 each, a crowdfunding site managed to raise just $30,000 three hours after Newsome's arrest. Today, more people have contributed to the cause with the amount recaching $100,210. Newsome released a statement after she was released from jail.
"We removed the flag today because we can't wait any longer. We can't continue like this another day," the statement said. "It's time for a new chapter where we are sincere about dismantling white supremacy and building toward true racial justice and equality."
Newsome has been a big advocator for human and civil rights since her teen years. Her father, Clarence G. Newsome, is a former dean at Howard University and current president of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Artists like Nas, Big Boi and 2 Chainz showed support to Newsome along with filmmaker Michael Moore who volunteered to pay for her legal fees.
Political supporters who want the flag removed says her act may have set back the cause since she didn't abide by the law.
"There are 2 ways the Confederate Flag can be removed forever. Citizens please engage legally or we lose!" state Sen. Marlon Kimpson of Charleston, a Democrat, said in a deleted tweet.
Lawmakers in South Carolina will make a decision on the flag's fate July 7.
See Newsome's statement in full in the gallery above.
Source: Vibe | Photo Credit: Twitter
